Football Archives

Luis Suarez Bows Out of International Football with Frustrating Draw

By Nilay September 7, 2024 0

Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan striker, bid farewell to international football on Friday, September 6, 2024, as his team played to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Paraguay in South American 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Suarez, 37, had announced his retirement from international duty on Monday, September 2, 2024, after a glittering 17-year career for Uruguay. He finished as the country’s top scorer with 69 goals from 143 appearances.

However, the former Barcelona and Liverpool star, who now plays in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, was unable to add a 70th goal to his international tally in his farewell game at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

Despite enjoying 65% possession, Uruguay were unable to find a way through a dogged Paraguay defense in a disjointed match littered with 24 fouls. Suarez, whose career at international and club level was marred by controversies such as his ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, was one of four Uruguay players to be shown a yellow card in a fractious encounter.

The result leaves Uruguay in second place in South America’s 10-team round-robin qualifying tournament with 14 points from seven games, four points behind leaders Argentina. Colombia can leapfrog over Uruguay with a victory over Peru in Lima later Friday.

The top six teams in the South America standings qualify automatically for the 2026 finals in North America with the seventh-placed team advancing to a playoff.

Categories: Football

Syria Trounces Mauritius 2-0 in Intercontinental Cup Opener

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Syria’s clinical finishing proved too much for Mauritius as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory in their opening match of the Intercontinental Cup 2024 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium. The result eliminated Mauritius from the tournament, while Syria remains in contention for the title.

In his first game in charge of Syria, José Lana witnessed a dominant performance from his team. Mustafa Abdullatif opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Mauritius. Mahmoud Al-Mawas, who was a constant threat throughout the match, sealed the victory with a stunning goal in the 70th minute.

Mauritius had their chances, but they were unable to convert them. Aurélien François’ long-range effort was saved by Syrian goalkeeper Esteban Glellel in the third minute, while Jason Ferré had a goal ruled out for handball in the 44th minute.

Syria controlled the tempo of the game, gradually building momentum and creating several scoring opportunities. Al-Mawas was particularly impressive, providing the assist for Abdullatif’s goal and scoring the second himself.

With this victory, Syria has put themselves in a strong position to win the Intercontinental Cup. They will face India in their final match, and a win will secure the trophy. India, on the other hand, needs a victory to lift the title, while a draw will be enough for Syria.

Categories: Football

MSLK Kicks Off with Star-Studded Roster and Young Talent

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

The Mahindra Super League Kerala (MSLK), India’s only domestic league allowing foreign players, kicks off on Saturday night at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The league has attracted a mix of experienced and talented young players, including former Indian Super League (ISL) champions and top scorers.

Forca Kochi FC coach Mario Lemos emphasized the importance of experienced players mentoring young talents, who aspire to reach higher leagues like the ISL. The league aims to provide a platform for these young players to showcase their skills and bridge the gap to bigger opportunities.

One notable signing is Alex Sanchez, last season’s I-League top scorer, who turned down an ISL offer to remain with Malappuram FC in the MSLK. Malappuram, known for its football enthusiasm, has offered attractive packages to fans, including transportation and refreshments, to encourage attendance at the opening match against Forca Kochi.

Despite the excitement, the league faces challenges. The Kerala Police is yet to release its players, including Santosh Trophy stars, due to pending government clearance. Additionally, some foreign players have not yet joined their teams.

Despite the short pre-season, Lemos remains optimistic and sees Malappuram as a formidable opponent. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Jacqueline Fernandez, Stephen Devassy, and ‘Drums’ Sivamani, followed by the opening match at 8 p.m.

The MSLK aims to fill the void for football fans in Kerala after the ISL season. However, it remains to be seen whether the league can overcome its initial hurdles and establish itself as a viable platform for young players and a source of entertainment for football enthusiasts.

Categories: Football

Ronaldo Reaches 900 Goals, Declares Euros Equivalent to World Cup

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reached the remarkable milestone of 900 career goals. After scoring the winning goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo expressed his unwavering belief in his own superiority.

Despite not having won the FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo maintains that Portugal’s triumph in the UEFA Euro is on par with the global quadrennial event. “Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup,” he declared. “I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I’m not motivated by that [World Cup].”

Ronaldo’s sentiments echo those of Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. “For me, [the Euros are] more complicated than a World Cup,” Mbappe said. “Even though there’s more pressure at the World Cup, we know all the teams in the Euros, and it’s tactically similar.”

Ronaldo’s comments have sparked a debate among football fans, with some arguing that the World Cup is the ultimate test of a player’s ability. Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has stated that “the Euros are important, but he [Mbappe] leaves out Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay — all World Cup winners. In the World Cup, you have the best teams in the world. That’s why everyone dreams of being world champion.”

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. He has scored 137 goals for Portugal and has represented Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, scoring a total of 900 goals in his illustrious career.

Ronaldo’s achievements have cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His unwavering belief in his own abilities and his relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire fans around the world.

Categories: Football

Chelsea Excludes Palmer from Conference League Squad to Manage Player Overload

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Chelsea’s Palmer Omitted from Conference League Squad Amidst Player Overload Concerns

Chelsea has excluded Cole Palmer from its UEFA Conference League squad to manage his workload in a season that could extend into mid-July. The decision aligns with concerns raised by the global footballers’ union FIFPro about the excessive demands placed on players due to expanding tournaments.

Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, has withdrawn from the England squad for upcoming Nations League matches. FIFPro has urged football governing bodies to prioritize player welfare by implementing minimum rest periods and potentially limiting the number of games played.

Chelsea’s decision also considers the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, which will run from June 15 to July 13. The Blues will face Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, Astana, and Shamrock Rovers in the group stage of the Conference League.

Palmer’s exclusion highlights the growing recognition of the need for player rest. The Professional Footballers’ Association has pointed to the impressive form of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who both benefited from summer breaks from international duty.

Chelsea’s decision to manage Palmer’s minutes is a proactive measure to prevent burnout and ensure his availability for the crucial latter stages of the season. Should Enzo Maresca’s side progress in the Conference League, Palmer could be added to the squad.

Categories: Football

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

San Marino, the perennial underdogs of international football, etched their name in history on Thursday by securing their first-ever competitive victory. The tiny nation, nestled within the heart of Italy, stunned Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League, ending a remarkable 140-game winless streak that had spanned over two decades.

The match at San Marino’s Stadio Olimpico was a tale of resilience and determination for the home side. Liechtenstein, ranked 195th in the FIFA rankings, had the better of the chances in the first half, but a disallowed goal for offside kept the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when San Marino capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liechtenstein. Nicko Sensoli, a 19-year-old forward, pounced on a loose ball and fired home the historic goal. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the team celebrated their long-awaited triumph.

San Marino’s victory is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the players and the unwavering support of their fans. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the world, they refused to be defined by their past failures. Their recent string of draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis had hinted at a growing confidence within the squad.

The win against Liechtenstein is a watershed moment for San Marino. It marks the end of a painful chapter in their footballing history and signals a new era of hope and optimism. The team’s performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they are grouped with Liechtenstein and Gibraltar, will be closely watched as they aim to build on their historic victory.

Categories: Football

Ronaldo’s 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into footballing history on Thursday, scoring his 900th career goal to lead Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Croatia in their Nations League opener.

The 39-year-old superstar reached the milestone in the 34th minute, tapping in from close range after a perfect cross from Nuno Mendes. The goal was a testament to Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance and his ability to find the back of the net even at the twilight of his career.

Portugal had taken an early lead through Diogo Dalot, who fired home in the seventh minute after a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes. However, Dalot’s night took a turn for the worse when he deflected a sliding effort from Borna Sosa into his own net four minutes from the break, giving Croatia a lifeline.

Despite Croatia’s late surge, Portugal held on for a hard-fought victory. The win gives them a strong start to their Nations League campaign, as they look to defend their title.

In the other League A Group 1 game, Poland edged out Scotland 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The Poles took the lead through Robert Lewandowski, but Scotland fought back to level the scores. However, Poland ultimately prevailed, with goals from Arkadiusz Milik and Krzysztof Piatek securing the victory.

Portugal will host Scotland on Sunday, while Croatia will entertain Poland. Both matches promise to be exciting affairs, as the teams look to make their mark in the Nations League.

Categories: Football

Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

By Nilay September 5, 2024 0

Japan’s national football team, the Samurai Blue, made a resounding statement in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers, thrashing China 7-0 in Saitama on Thursday (September 5, 2024).

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, returning from injury, marked his comeback with a first-half header, while Liverpool’s Wataru Endo opened the scoring with a set-piece goal. Takumi Minamino added two more goals after the break, putting Japan in complete control against a Chinese side desperate to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.

Junya Ito, also making his first appearance for Japan since the Asian Cup, extended the lead before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo capped a dominant performance from Hajime Moriyasu’s side.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Endo emphasized that the victory was not easy. “We came onto the pitch with positive energy,” he said. “We got the first goal from a set piece and then we played our own football and the goals kept coming. We got the three points and it was a great game.”

China, who qualified for the third qualifying round thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand, had a night to forget. “Japan are very strong. They are the top team in Asia and it’s not just Asia — they are a world-class team,” said China’s Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.

Japan and China have been drawn together in a tricky-looking Group C, which also includes Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed sides will enter a further round of qualifying.

Japan’s next match is an away fixture against Bahrain on Tuesday (September 3, 2024), while China will host Saudi Arabia on the same day.

Categories: Football

Ballon d’Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

By Nilay September 5, 2024 0

The Ballon d’Or, the prestigious annual football award, has unveiled its 30-player shortlist for 2023, marking a significant shift in the landscape of the sport. For the first time in over two decades, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, the two dominant figures of the past era, feature on the list.

Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS. Despite his recent Copa America and FIFA World Cup triumphs, an injury has sidelined him from contention. Ronaldo, a five-time winner, has also been omitted from the shortlist.

The absence of these superstars opens the door for a new generation of players to claim the coveted award. Among the nominees are Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

Vinicius and Bellingham, key members of Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga-winning team, are considered strong contenders. Rodri, a vital cog in Manchester City’s Premier League success and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is also a favorite.

The Ballon d’Or, presented by French magazine France Football since 1956, has undergone rule changes in 2022. The award now focuses on achievements within a football season rather than a calendar year. Additionally, a single journalist from each country in the top-100 of the FIFA Men’s ranking determines the winner.

Messi remains the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with eight awards, while Ronaldo has won it five times. Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times, while Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Kevin Keegan, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have won it twice.

The 2023 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced later this year, marking a new chapter in the history of the prestigious award.

Categories: Football

Mbappe's Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

By chevaliersports September 5, 2024 0

Finally, the transfer window has shut. And with that, all of us might have our list of yays and nays when it comes to transfers.

While Madrid fans will be ecstatic with the arrival of France sensation Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, Chelsea are seriously having a headache as to what to do with a squad boasting of 43 players. 43 effing players. Shocking right?

The summer of 2024 has been an eventful one for the football world. While there are way too many arrivals (pun intended) there are few players who have to depart to a different club in search of 💰 or more playing time.

In this article, we will be looking at the top 15 summer transfers that have taken place in the football world in 2024.

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

Julian Alvarez (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid)

Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, who played second fiddle to Erling Haaland during his time at Manchester City; wanted to have more playing time. And this season, the midfielder received a bid from Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid who are going through a transition phase.

With a dismal performance coming from Simeone’s squad last season, it was high time they looked for a striker who could land them goals (in dozens). And Alvarez seemed to be a perfect fit. Atletico Madrid announced the arrival of Alvarez from Manchester City in a deal worth £82m (€95m).

Conor Gallagher (Chelsea to Atletico Madrid)

Enzo Maresca’s arrival at Chelsea meant trouble for many. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher was one of the many players leaving Stamford Bridge. The Blues midfielder found a new home at 2020-21 La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Atlético Madrid completed the signing of midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea in a deal worth around €40 million ($44m). With this signing, Atletico has strengthened their midfield comprising Koke, Rodrigo de Paul, Thomas Lemar, and Marcos Llorente.

Leny Yoro (Lille to Manchester United)

Manchester United had a busy summer. After securing the services of Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils beat Spanish giants Real Madrid to get France’s Leny Yoro to Old Trafford.

The center-back moved to the Red Devils in a deal worth £52m plus add-ons. This might seem a very big amount considering the youngster’s age. However, the French center-back is being considered as one of the best teenagers in the football world.

Kylian Mbappe (PSG to Real Madrid)

One of the most anticipated transfers of this season finally happened after a lot of controversy. Kylian Mbappe followed his idol’s footsteps (no points for the right guesses). The 2018 World Cup winner joined 2023-24 UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappé, 25, signed a five-year contract at the club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Madrid president Florentina Perez had been seeking the France captain’s signature since the 2018 FIFA World Cup; the first time Mbappe broke on the international stage. But things couldn’t materialize somehow.

However, now that he has joined his dream club, will the Frenchmen be able to emulate his idol’s success at the club?

Endrick (Palmeiras to Real Madrid)

Real Madrid needs to be credited for their smart transfer business. After getting Kylian Mbappe at the club, the La Liga giants decided to bring Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid agreed a deal to sign forward Endrick from Palmeiras in December 2022, but the prospect could not formally join the club until his 18th birthday on July 21, 2024.

Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig to Barcelona)

After helping his country lift the Euro 2024 trophy, Dani Olmo has decided to join the boyhood club, Barcelona. The Catalans who had shown interest in the La Masia graduate finally secured the player this transfer season.

The La Liga giants have reportedly sent an offer worth €62 million (£53 million) with a €55 million (£47 million) initial fee and €7 million (£6 million) in add-ons. The midfielder has agreed to sign a six-year contract with Barcelona.

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspurs)

Seems like Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has seriously affected Tottenham. The perennial underachievers of the Premier League have failed to convert their attacks into goals. The failure of Richarlison and the constant injury problems of Heung Min Son have put additional pressure on the club.

The North London club has decided to fill the void of a consistent striker by bringing Bournemouth’s goal-scoring machine Dominic Solanke to the club. As per the deal, Solanke cost a total of £65m for the Spurs. The deal will see Spurs pay an initial £55m with £10m possible to follow in bonuses.

Pedro Neto (Wolves to Chelsea)

Chelsea are going berserk at the transfer window this season. Could you believe they have a squad boasting a total of 9 goalkeepers? Wonder what the football pundits have to say about this!!

After signing a total of 13 players this season, the move of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Blues has met with an amazing response from the fans.

As for the numbers, Pedro Neto has completed his move to Chelsea from Wolves; the Blues will pay £51.4m upfront plus £2.6m in add-ons.

Federico Chiesa (Juventus to Liverpool)

The Arne Slot era at Anfield has begun. After deciding to not do any summer signings (unusual by a club of their standards), Liverpool decided to make a late entry into the transfer window.

Chiesa, the Italian starboy who lit up the Euro 2020 stage with his amazing dribbling skills, decided to make a move into the Premier League. The former Juventus player signed a three-year deal worth €13M; which seems to be a bargain for the 2019-20 Premier League winners.

Manuel Ugarte (PSG to Manchester United)

The lack of powerhouse midfielders has been hurting Manchester United for the past few seasons. Yes, skipper Bruno Fernandes has been holding the fort quite well for the Red Devils. But the need for more players like him is needed at Old Trafford.

And the Red Devils have pinned their hopes on Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan international, who plays for Paris St. Germain has arrived at Manchester United. The club shelled out €50 million to secure his services; who was a top target for manager Erik Ten Hag.

Ivan Toney (Brentford to Al-Ahli)

After being linked to a move to Chelsea, Brentford star Ivan Toney has decided to try his luck at the Saudi Pro League. The Englishman has decided to join the Middle East club for a stunning move to Al-Ahli that cost €42M on the deadline day. At Al-Ahli, Toney will earn a staggering £403,000-a-week including bonuses. It means Toney will earn more than 13 times the £36,000-a-week wage he picked up at Brentford.

Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich to Manchester United)

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United have bolstered their defense with the addition of Matthijs de Ligt. The former Juventus and Bayern Munich player has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.

The Netherlands international has signed a deal worth a combined £60 million ($76.6m) including add-ons.

The news will surely boost the hopes of United fans who want to make a return to UEFA Champions League football.

Joao Neves (Benfica to PSG)

After a lot of helter-skelter, Benfica star Joao Neves has confirmed a move to Paris St. Germain.

The young Portuguese player has joined PSG for a five-year deal worth €60 million.

Considered one of the hottest properties in the football world, Neves will surely try his best to win the first-ever Champions League for the Ligue 1 champions.

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich)

Looks like last year’s dismal Bundesliga season has made Bayern Munich head back straight to the drawing board and strengthen its squad. To get back to winning ways, the German champions have signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.

The Bundesliga side will pay £50.8m (€60m) including add-ons to bring the 22-year-old to the Allianz Arena.

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid to Chelsea)

After Romelu Lukaku, the only player who can claim to have an amazing agent is Portugal’s Joao Felix. After doing back and forth between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, the winger has finally decided to move back to Stamford Bridge for a seven-year deal worth €50 million.

Other Notable Mentions:

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United to Chelsea)

Victor Osimhein (Napoli to Galatasaray)

Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa to Juventus)

Mats Hummels (Borrusia Dortmund to AS Roma)

So, that’s it. That’s our list of the top 15 summer transfers in football that we feel might be game-changers this season. Were you satisfied with your club’s transfer strategy this season? Comment down below who you think should be bought and who should be sold at your favourite club.

Categories: Football, Sports360

Luis Suarez Bows Out of International Football with Frustrating Draw

Syria Trounces Mauritius 2-0 in Intercontinental Cup Opener

MSLK Kicks Off with Star-Studded Roster and Young Talent

Ronaldo Reaches 900 Goals, Declares Euros Equivalent to World Cup

Chelsea Excludes Palmer from Conference League Squad to Manage Player Overload

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

Ronaldo’s 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

Japan Thrashes China 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier Opener

Ballon d’Or Shortlist Unveiled: Messi and Ronaldo Omitted for First Time in Over 20 Years

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

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Top 15 football summer transfers of 2024

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